Dudley Mason

Dudley William Mason GC (7 October 1901 – 26 April 1987) was the British master of the tanker SS Ohio during the Second World War. He commanded the tanker during Operation Pedestal, a convoy to relieve Malta. He was awarded the George Cross for this operation.

Early life and career

Dudley Mason was born into a family in Surbiton. His father was a chauffeur. Mason went to school in Long Ditton before going to sea as an apprentice at 17 in June 1920 with Eagle Oil and Shipping Company with whom he qualified as a master mariner at age 30. In July 1942, the 14,000-ton tanker Ohio, belonging to the Texas Oil Company, was requisitioned on loan by the British Ministry of War Transport and placed under Eagle Oil's management; although the youngest of the company's masters, Mason was chosen to captain her "on account of his proven initiative and efficiency and splendid fortitude".

George Cross action

Ohio was one of 14 merchant vessels sent to aid Malta. The convoy, with naval and air escort, met enemy action on 11 August. The next day, when air attacks began, it became apparent the tanker was the main target. For four days the ship suffered continuous attacks from aircraft and submarines. She sustained grave damage from a torpedo, two sticks of bombs lifted her out of the water and another exploded in her boiler room. A Stuka crashed and exploded on her deck, her back was broken and Ohio was twice abandoned and reboarded. In spite of this she reached Malta on 15 August and was carried into Valletta harbour, lashed between the destroyers HMS Ledbury and HMS Penn, and not until the last of the fuel had been pumped out did Ohio settle on the bottom. During the action, Mason and the chief engineer were badly burned and flown back to England for treatment. He was also awarded the Lloyd's War Medal for Bravery at Sea.

Later career and retirement Following recuperation after Operation Pedestal, Mason was appointed to command the tanker Empire Cobbett, the only British ship to follow up the American capture of Casablanca in November 1942.

Mason was married twice: in 1924 to Amelia Coates, later divorced; and in 1948 to Vera de Smitt (died c. 1968).